When the Sentence is Not Executed Quickly: Notes on Ecclesiastes 8:11 (Excerpt)

February 6, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.

Civil authorities have the divine obligation to punish evildoers. They are to be a “cause of fear” for those who do evil (Romans 13:3-4). But in order for this to be the case, the wise man says that the punishment for evil must be “executed quickly.” When the execution of justice is not swift, it has a corrupting influence upon society. Punishment is not just for the evildoer. If it were, the timing of it would not matter so much. Punishment is also meant to deter those who might later do evil. When the punishment is swift, the memory of the crime is still fresh in the people’s mind, impressing upon their minds the connection between the crime and the punishment. When punishment is delayed, the connection is not as apparent; or one may believe he can escape punishment, thus making the crime more attractive.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Because of the Oath Before God: Notes on Ecclesiastes 8:2 (Excerpt)

February 5, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 8:2

I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God.

Solomon now begins a discussion about obedience to civil authorities. When studying this passage, it is important that we understand the context. When the Scriptures speak of our responsibility to obey authorities and the benefit we receive from authorities, it must be assumed that said authorities are satisfying their divinely-ordained role. Otherwise we may be forced to disobey the authorities (cf. Acts 5:29); and we may suffer harm as a consequence of their wickedness (Proverbs 29:2). This idea of our conditional obedience to civil authorities is suggested in this verse. We are to “keep the command of the king” for a specific reason. Just because he is king and claims authority over the nation? No, “because of the oath before God.” We must consider God and His will first. Human law does not supersede divine law.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Song of Fools: Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:5 (Excerpt)

February 4, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 7:5

It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.

Solomon continues building his case that man must prepare for something important after this life. Paul would later write, “If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32). If life under the sun is futile (which Solomon has been explaining how it is) and we recognize this, what is there to live for? Many of those who refuse to look past this life will simply get as much enjoyment as they can out of life. These are the ones who “listen to the song of fools.” On the other hand, if we recognize that life here is futile and there is something better that awaits us, then we need to be sure we live in such a way that will bring us the reward. Therefore, we “listen to the rebuke of a wise man,” understanding the value of eliminating sin from our lives and following after the wisdom that comes from above.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Ineffective Government Bureaucracy: Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:8 (Excerpt)

February 1, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 5:8

If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.

Solomon has earlier spoken of the inevitability of oppression (4:1) and wickedness in the place of justice and righteousness (3:16). We should not be shocked when these conditions exist. The wise man gives one reason here: government bureaucracy. An extensive network/hierarchy of officials who oversee the people is incapable of doing what they are supposed to do. The larger the bureaucracy, the more unaccountable and inefficient it becomes. It is important to note that this is not the observation of one who was a “common man” and was a victim of an ineffective government bureaucracy. It is the observation of Solomon, the head of the government. In his position, he could see that such an arrangement would not work to help the people. When there is a large bureaucracy in place, the wise man says we should expect the poor to be oppressed and justice and righteousness to be denied.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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No Comfort for the Oppressed: Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:1 (Excerpt)

January 31, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 4:1

Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them.

After briefly considering eternity (3:11), God’s judgment of man (3:17), and the fact that fact that our spirits will remain after our bodies are dead and buried (3:21), the wise man returns to those things which pertain to life under the sun. In this verse he considers “acts of oppression.” No matter how many generations come and go, there will still be people who are oppressed and in a situation that is nearly or completely hopeless – at least in this life. When the oppressed remember their hope after this life, there is relief. Paul would later make this point to the brethren in Thessalonica who were suffering persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:7). But for those oppressed people who will not or cannot look past this life, there is no comfort. Furthermore, Solomon says there is no comfort for the oppressors either. Though they have power and can abuse and take advantage of others, there is no lasting value or meaning for them. Their satisfaction in life is limited to what they can unjustly take from others.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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